Government weighs an invitation-only investor visa

The government is considering a new investor visa that would offer UK residency to wealthy individuals investing at least £5 million in priority areas of the economy, available by invitation only. It has not been formally announced, and no timeline or detailed eligibility has been confirmed, however news that the government is considering reopening the route, albeit with more restrictions than previously, will be welcome news to wealth advisors.

What is being proposed

Qualifying investors would commit a minimum of £5 million to priority sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, life sciences and fast-growing UK businesses. In return they would receive three years’ residency, with a path to permanent settlement after that period. The defining feature is that applicants could not apply directly. Candidates would be identified and invited by the Office for Investment, the cross-government unit that sits under Downing Street alongside the Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade, following enhanced vetting and financial scrutiny.

Why now

This follows the closure of the Tier 1 Investor route in February 2022, which was scrapped over concerns about the source of investment funds and the integrity of the checks behind it. The end of the non-dom tax regime in 2025 then prompted some ultra-high-net-worth individuals to leave the UK, and the government has been looking for ways to attract capital back. It is better understood as a new, tightly controlled route than a revival of the old one. The previous route rewarded passive investment with relatively light scrutiny. What is proposed here is selective, sector-directed and gated by invitation and enhanced due diligence, which addresses the criticisms that brought the Tier 1 route down.

The wider picture

The proposal cuts against the grain of recent policy. The immigration system has otherwise moved in a more restrictive direction, with the English language threshold rising to B2 from January 2026 and the standard settlement period potentially extending from five to ten years for most migrants. This is targeted liberalisation for a small, wealthy cohort set against a tightening backdrop, which is part of why it remains politically sensitive and unconfirmed. Until the details of the route are published, high-net-worth individuals weighing a move to the UK still need to look at the routes that exist now, principally Global Talent and the Innovator Founder route. We are monitoring developments and will report once there is firm detail.

If you are considering UK residency and want to understand your current options, our private immigration team can advise. Please get in touch.